Yi Feng turned back in confusion, while the elders and disciples behind him were equally bewildered.
Before anyone could react—
Suddenly!
Streaks of light began flying in from all directions!
One…
Two!
A hundred!
A thousand!!!
In the blink of an eye, countless streams of light descended upon the plaza before the mountain gate!
As the radiance faded, cultivators of all ages—men and women—appeared, dressed in refined attire with dignified bearing. Even those with ordinary features stood tall, exuding an air of brilliance.A sea of people, densely packed, materialized around them.
All wore expressions of excitement as they bowed in unison.
"We pay our respects to Elder Yi Feng!!!"
The thunderous roar echoed through the mountain gate, startling Yi Feng so much his eyes widened.
Good heavens…
This spectacle truly had the vibe of a fan meet-and-greet!
What a grand display!
Still reeling, Yi Feng quickly whispered to the side,
"Elder Li, does the Moon God Pavilion usually hold such a welcoming ceremony when a mission is completed?"
But Yi Feng received no response.
Turning back discreetly, he saw Elder Li and the others also gaping in astonishment, as if witnessing something unprecedented!
Judging by their expressions, this was their first time seeing such a scene.
Instantly, Yi Feng grew even more puzzled.
If this wasn’t a welcoming ceremony, then what was it? Could he really have fans now?
That couldn’t be.
He was just an elder of the Moon God Pavilion. While he did receive visitors occasionally, it had never reached this level. Seeing the fervent expressions of the massive crowd, Yi Feng felt goosebumps rising.
If he were Qing Yin Xianyun, maybe it would make sense…
While the thirty-some of them stood frozen in shock—
A hearty laugh rang out from within the mountain gate!
"Hahaha…"
"Elder Yi Feng, you’ve worked hard! I’ve prepared a celebratory banquet to properly welcome you back!"
The commanding laughter reverberated.
Everyone raised their heads in unison.
From within the mountain gate, the Moon God Pavilion Master strode forward in resplendent robes, a warm smile on his face. Behind him, Qing Yin Xianyun followed solemnly, while rows of inner and outer sect elders watched with barely contained excitement.
A high-ranking entourage of dozens, led by the Pavilion Master himself, marched forward in greeting!
The sky was bathed in radiant hues, accompanied by the harmonious strains of music.
Behind the distinguished figures, countless inner sect disciples stood in orderly formation, clad in pristine uniforms, the crescent emblem of the inner sect prominently displayed—an endless, awe-inspiring procession!
The sudden appearance of this overwhelming crowd exuded an intimidating aura that shook the surroundings.
Witnessing such a spectacle, $2ot only did Yi Feng’s eyes widen, but even the two elders and thirty elite disciples—despite their years in the Moon God Pavilion—were left utterly dumbfounded!
Good heavens!
The Pavilion Master leading the entire Moon God Pavilion in welcome—this was an unprecedented level of grandeur!
Such treatment was unheard of, in this life or the last.
Completely at a loss, Yi Feng turned to the side with a dazed expression.
"Has there ever been such a tradition…?"
The two elders shook their heads in bewilderment, their eyes nearly popping out!
Before Yi Feng could ask more, $2he Moon God Pavilion Master was already before him, speaking warmly with a beaming smile.
"Elder Yi Feng, your journey has been arduous. We’ve been eagerly awaiting your return. Among family, there’s no need for formalities—let us proceed to the banquet and celebrate your homecoming!"
With that, the Pavilion Master, brimming with enthusiasm, personally invited Yi Feng to walk alongside him, step for step!
The sight left the entire squad’s minds buzzing in shock!
Yi Feng remained utterly baffled, feeling as though he were floating in a dream.
As they advanced, $2he Moon God Pavilion Master kept up a steady stream of small talk, leaving Yi Feng too stunned to respond. Qing Yin Xianyun and the elders followed closely behind, though they maintained a respectful distance, their eyes burning with fervent admiration.
Along the staircase, inner sect disciples lined both sides, bowing repeatedly with reverence.
This level of reception far exceeded anything Yi Feng could have imagined!
Even the two elders and thirty elite disciples behind him received extraordinary treatment, escorted by inner sect elders in a display of honor that left them thunderstruck!
The entire experience felt surreal, leaving everyone awestruck and humbled.
The grand welcome ceremony left Yi Feng and his group drowning in confusion, unable to process what was happening. Yet the sea of people outside the mountain gate remained perfectly at ease, radiating pure joy—as if this were all perfectly natural.
To them, it seemed only right.
Only when Yi Feng and the Moon God Pavilion’s procession vanished from sight, ascending to the summit’s grand hall, did the tens of thousands outside the gate finally erupt in fervent admiration, bowing deeply with reverence!
"We bid farewell to Senior Yi!"
Even with Yi Feng no longer visible, not a single person left. Each remained rooted in place, patiently waiting under the scorching sun, their faces alight with excitement!
High atop the mountain, amidst the sea of clouds, $2iered halls were adorned with lanterns and banners, brimming with boundless glory and jubilation—as if a grand festival had begun!
Within the majestic main hall, $2 lavish banquet was laid out, accompanied by melodious music.
Once all guests were seated, the atmosphere settled into one of harmonious joy, yet still carrying an air of solemn dignity.
Under the gaze of thousands, $2t the head jade table, the Pavilion Master raised his cup with a smile, addressing Yi Feng beside him.
"Elder Yi Feng."
"Your journey has been most taxing. This humble Pavilion Master offers you a toast!"
Yi Feng was completely dumbfounded.
While their mission had indeed benefited the sect, they hadn’t actually done much—the enemy had been wiped out before they could lift a finger. Some recognition was expected, but this was beyond excessive!
Bewildered, Yi Feng glanced around. The elders at the head table all smiled approvingly, even Qing Yin Xianyun wore an expression of perfect normalcy.
Maybe… this was just the Moon God Pavilion’s way?
Half-convinced, Yi Feng steadied himself and raised his cup in return, not wanting to embarrass the Pavilion Master.
But the moment he set his cup down, $2he Pavilion Master personally refilled it, still beaming as he spoke again.
"Elder Yi Feng."
"Only now do I realize what a tremendous blessing your joining our Moon God Pavilion has been. Come, let us drink again!"
Wasn’t this praise a bit… excessive?
Yi Feng was now thoroughly unsettled!
Yet when he looked around, Qing Yin Xianyun and the elders had already raised their cups.
The entire hall urged him on with overwhelming enthusiasm!
Even the elders at other tables, along with the inner sect elites seated near the entrance, stood and raised their cups in unison!
With no choice, Yi Feng downed the wine in one gulp.
As he set his cup down once more, the Pavilion Master’s smile grew even brighter!
"Excellent!"
"Elder Yi Feng, before your departure, I promised to grant any request upon your return. Now that you’ve returned victorious, speak your wish!"
"Come, let us drink to that!"
With that, the Pavilion Master raised his cup again, eyes brimming with delight. As he did, he cast a glance of approval toward Elders Li and Wang.
That single look of recognition sent the two elders scrambling to their feet in shock.
Trembling, they raised their cups, nearly choking in their haste!
"Cough…"
Their faces flushed with disbelief at such an honor. Merely sharing a table with the Pavilion Master was already a privilege beyond imagination—yet now, they were being toasted alongside him!
In the face of such treatment, they didn’t dare show the slightest presumption, clutching their cups with both hands, utterly overwhelmed!
At this moment, $2urrounded by such fervent hospitality, with the Pavilion Master toasting him repeatedly, Yi Feng racked his brain but couldn’t fathom why he’d suddenly become so revered—let alone deserving of such absurd treatment.
Just who was the Pavilion Master here?
Dazed, Yi Feng turned back with a look of utter confusion.
"Pavilion Master, why are you treating us with such honor?"